Expert: Brad Swain - 2/27/2010

Question
Dear Brad,
My Father brought back some currency from WWII era Europe. The note in question is Ten Francs. The note is in very good condition considering it was circulated. Below I've described both sides of the note.

I'm almost certain there were changes in monetary policy during  the war but I havn't found much info about it. The bottom of the note reads "LA LOI PUNIT LE CONTREFACTEUR DES TRAVAUX FORCES". Perhaps you could explain this to me?

BANQUE NATIONALE DE BELGIQUE

L1 913482

DIX FRANCS
   ou
DEAUX BELGAS
01. 02. 43

LA LOI PUNIT LE CONTREFACTEUR DES TRAVAUX FORCES

_________________________________________________

NATIONALE BANK VAN BELGIE
      
      TIEN FRANK
          of
      TWEE BELGAS

Answer
Hi Valery, this 10 Francs (2 Belgas) note is from Belgium. It is inscribed in French and Flemish and Belgium, like Canada, is a bilingual nation. This green note was actually issued in 1944 as the Allies retook Belgium from the Nazis. Collector value may be worth about $3 with heavy wear to around $6 with moderate wear to maybe $8 with light wear.
Paper Money Gallery: http://aes.iupui.edu/rwise/notedir/mappage.html
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad